tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59155335258726930422017-08-11T10:23:19.165-05:00OSHA SafetyInformation, discussion and resources regarding OSHA. The Federal Government's Occupational Safety and Health Administration is the leading agency for enforcement of workplace safety laws.NSCsafetyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11136034280029093845noreply@blogger.comBlogger143125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915533525872693042.post-47333885494964317382015-11-10T17:04:00.001-06:002015-11-10T17:04:48.619-06:00Retail/Grocery Stores/ Convenience Stores: Process for Protecting WorkersMany of the recommendations below are practices taken from workplace ergonomics and safety programs that grocery stores have developed and that OSHA observed while performing site visits at grocery stores. They are intended to provide a flexible framework that a grocery store manager can adapt to an individual store. In many grocery stores, ergonomics, other employee safety and health<br />efforts, workers’ compensation, and risk management are integrated into a single program that is usually administered by the same staff. OSHA recommends that employers develop a process for systematically addressing ergonomics issues in their facilities, and incorporate this process into an overall program to recognize and prevent occupational safety and health hazards.<br /><br />Store and company management personnel should consider the general steps discussed below when establishing and implementing an ergonomics program. It should be noted, however, that each store will have different needs and limitations that should be considered when identifying and correcting workplace problems. Different stores may implement different types of programs and activities and<br />may assign different staff to accomplish the goals of the ergonomics program.<br /><h4>Provide Management Support</h4><div><div>Management support for reducing MSDs and communicating support to employees is very important. You have already demonstrated your interest in reducing MSDs by reading these voluntary guidelines. Management support improves the grocery store’s ability to maintain a sustained effort, allocate needed resources, and follow up on program implementation. OSHA recommends that employers:</div></div><div><ul><li>Develop clear goals,</li><li>Express the company’s commitment to achieving them,</li><li>Assign responsibilities (training, job analysis, etc.) to designated staff members to achieve those goals,</li><li> Ensure that assigned responsibilities are fulfilled, and</li><li> Provide appropriate resources.</li></ul><div><div>Meaningful efforts by management also improve employee participation, which is another essential element for achieving success.</div></div></div><h4>Involve Employees</h4><div><div>Employees are a vital source of information about hazards in their workplace. Employees help identify hazards and solve problems. Their involvement can enhance job satisfaction, motivation, and acceptance of workplace changes. There are many different ways employers can involve employees in their ergonomics efforts, including the following:</div><div><ul><li> Submit suggestions and concerns;</li><li> Identify and report tasks that are difficult to perform;</li><li> Discuss work methods;</li><li> Provide input in the design of workstations, equipment, procedures and training;</li><li> Help evaluate equipment;</li><li> Respond to surveys and questionnaires;</li><li> Report injuries as soon as they occur;</li><li> Participate fully in MSD case investigations; and</li><li> Participate in task groups with responsibility for ergonomics.</li></ul><h4>Identify Problems...</h4></div></div>NSCsafetyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11136034280029093845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915533525872693042.post-36839166936359325302015-10-15T16:20:00.000-05:002015-10-15T16:20:31.333-05:00Young Workers - Retail/Grocer Stores/Convenience Stores:Safe LiftingGrocery stores provide a vital service to the American public, and are a major source of employment in the United States. In recent years, the efforts of grocery store managers and employees have resulted in fewer occupational injuries and illnesses. Even with these efforts, thousands of grocery store workers are still injured on the job each year (2).<br /><br />Many grocery stores have taken actions such as those recommended in this document to help reduce exposures to ergonomic risk factors in their effort to reduce workplace injuries.<br /><br />Some grocery store work can be physically demanding. Many grocery store workers handle thousands of items each day to stock shelves, check groceries, decorate bakery items, and prepare meat products. These tasks involve several ergonomic risk factors. The most important of these include force, repetition, awkward posture, and static postures (4).<br /><br />In the grocery store industry, the presence of these risk factors increases the potential for injuries and illnesses. In these guidelines, OSHA uses the term musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) to refer to a variety of injuries and illnesses, including:<br /><ul><li> Muscle strains and back injuries that occur from repeated use or overexertion;</li><li> Tendinitis;</li><li> Carpal tunnel syndrome;</li><li> Rotator cuff injuries (a shoulder problem);</li><li> Epicondylitis (an elbow problem); and</li><li> Trigger finger that occurs from repeated use of a single finger.</li></ul>Just because an employee develops an MSD does not mean it is work-related. As required by OSHA’s recordkeeping rule (29 CFR 1904), employers should consider an MSD to be workrelated if an event or exposure in the work environment either caused or contributed to the MSD, or significantly aggravated a pre-existing MSD. For example, when an employee develops carpal tunnel syndrome, the employer needs to look at the hand and forearm activity required for the job and the amount of time spent doing the activity. If an employee develops carpal tunnel syndrome, and his or her job requires frequent hand activity, or forceful or sustained awkward hand motions, then the problem may be work-related. If the job requires very little hand or arm activity then the disorder may not<br />be work-related.<br /><br />Activities outside of the workplace that involve physical demands may also cause or contribute to MSDs. In addition, development of MSDs may be related to genetic causes, gender, age, and other factors. Finally, there is evidence that reports of MSDs may be linked to occupationally-related psychosocial factors including job dissatisfaction, monotonous work and limited job control (6). However, these guidelines address only physical factors in the workplace that are related to the development of MSDs.<br /><br />Grocery stores that have implemented injury prevention efforts focusing on musculoskeletal and ergonomic concerns have reported reduced work-related injuries and associated workers’ compensation costs. Fewer injuries can also improve morale, reduce employee turnover, encourage employees to stay longer and discourage senior employees from retiring early. Workplace changes based on ergonomic principles may also lead to increased productivity by eliminating unneeded motions, reducing fatigue and increasing worker efficiency. Healthier workers, better morale, and<br />higher productivity can also contribute to better customer service.<br /><br />These guidelines present recommendations for changing equipment, workstation design, or work methods with the goal of reducing workrelated MSDs. Many ergonomic changes result in increased efficiency by reducing the time needed to perform a task. Many grocery stores that have already instituted programs have reported reduced MSDs, reduced workers’ compensation costs, and improved efficiency.NSCsafetyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11136034280029093845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915533525872693042.post-14862636217744282272015-10-09T16:43:00.000-05:002015-10-09T16:43:40.481-05:00Young Workers - Retail / Grocery Stores / Convenience Stores:Equipment & Machinery<h2>Fair Labor Standards Act Advisor </h2><div class="row"> <div class="large-12 columns"> <h3>Prohibited Occupations for Non-Agricultural Employees</h3>The child labor rules that apply to non-agricultural employment depend on the age of the young worker and the kind of job to be performed. 14 years old is the minimum age for non-agricultural employment covered by the FLSA. In addition to restrictions on hours, the Secretary of Labor has found that certain jobs are too hazardous for anyone under 18 years of age to perform. There are additional restrictions on where and in what jobs 14-and 15-year-olds can work. These rules must be followed unless one of the FLSA's child labor exemptions apply. <br /> <ul><li>A youth<b> 18 years or older</b> may perform any job, whether hazardous or not.</li><li>A youth<b> 16 or 17 years old</b> may perform any non-hazardous job. (See the list of hazardous occupations below.) </li><li>A youth <b>14 and 15 years old</b> may <b>not</b> work in the manufacturing or mining industries, or in any hazardous job. (See the list of hazardous occupations below.) In addition, a 14- or 15-year-old may <b> not</b> work in the following occupations: </li></ul>The child labor rules also determine what types of jobs a youth may or may not perform . <br /> A 14- or 15-year-old <b>may not work in:</b> <br /> <ul><li>Hazardous jobs identified by the Secretary of Labor; </li><li>Manufacturing, processing, and mining occupations; </li><li>Communications or public utilities jobs; </li><li>Construction or repair jobs; </li><li>Operating or assisting in operating power-driven machinery or hoisting apparatus other than typical office machines. </li><li>Work as a ride attendant or ride operator at an amusement park or a “dispatcher” at the top of elevated water slides; </li><li>Driving motor vehicles or helping a driver; </li><li>Youth peddling, sign waving, or door-to-door sales; </li><li>Poultry catching or cooping; </li><li>Lifeguarding at a natural environment such as a lake, river, ocean beach, quarry, pond (youth must be at least 15 years of age and properly certified to be a lifeguard at a traditional swimming pool or water amusement park); </li><li>Public messenger jobs; </li><li>Transporting persons or property; </li><li>Workrooms where products are manufactured, mined or processed; </li><li>Warehousing and storage. </li><li>Boiler or engine room work, whether in or about; </li><li>Cooking, except with gas or electric grills that do not involve cooking over an open flame and with deep fat fryers that are equipped with and utilize devices that automatically lower and raise the baskets in and out of the hot grease or oil; </li><li>Baking; </li><li>Operating, setting up, adjusting, cleaning, oiling, or repairing power-driven food slicers, grinders, choppers or cutters and bakery mixers; </li><li>Freezers or meat coolers work, except minors may occasionally enter a freezer for a short period of time to retrieve items; </li><li>Loading or unloading goods on or off trucks, railcars or conveyors except in very limited circumstances. </li><li>Meat processing and work in areas where meat is processed; </li><li>Maintenance or repair of a building or its equipment; </li><li>Outside window washing that involves working from window sills; </li><li>All work involving the use of ladders, scaffolds, or similar equipment; </li><li>Warehouse work, except office and clerical work. </li></ul><b>The jobs 14- and 15-year-old workers may legally perform are limited to: </b><br /> <ul><li>Office and clerical work; </li><li>Work of an intellectual or artistically creative nature; </li><li>Bagging and carrying out customer's orders; </li><li>Cashiering, selling, modeling, art work, advertising, window trimming, or comparative shopping; </li><li>Pricing and tagging goods, assembling orders, packing, or shelving; </li><li>Clean-up work and grounds maintenance—the young worker may use vacuums and floor waxers, but he or she may not use power-driven mowers, cutters, and trimmers; </li><li>Work as a lifeguard at a traditional swimming pool or water amusement park if at least 15 years of age and properly certified; </li><li>Kitchen and other work in preparing and serving food and drinks, but only limited cooking duties and no baking (see below); </li><li>Cleaning fruits and vegetables; </li><li>Cooking with gas or electric grills that do not involve cooking over an open flame and with deep fat fryers that are equipped with and utilize devices that automatically lower and raise the baskets in and out of the hot grease or oil; </li><li>Clean cooking equipment, including the filtering, transporting and dispensing of oil and grease, but only when the surfaces of the equipment and liquids do not exceed 100° F; </li><li>Pumping gas, cleaning and hand washing and polishing of cars and trucks (but the young worker may not repair cars, use garage lifting rack, or work in pits); </li><li>Wrapping, weighing, pricing, stocking any goods as long as he or she doesn't work where meat is being prepared and doesn't work in freezers or meat coolers; </li><li>Delivery work by foot, bicycle, or public transportation; </li><li>Riding in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle except when a significant reason for the minor being a passenger in the vehicle is for the purpose of performing work in connection with the transporting—or assisting in the transporting of—other persons or property; </li></ul><ul><li>Loading and unloading onto and from motor vehicles, the hand tools and personal equipment the youth will use on the job site.</li></ul><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="hazardous_occupations0"></a><b>Hazardous Occupations </b><br /> Eighteen is the minimum age for employment in non-agricultural occupations declared hazardous by the Secretary of Labor. The rules prohibiting working in hazardous occupations (HO) apply either on an industry basis, or on an occupational basis no matter what industry the job is in. Parents employing their own children are subject to these same rules. General exemptions apply to all of these occupations, while limited apprentice/student-learner exemptions apply to those occupations marked with an *. <br /> <b>These rules prohibit work in, or with the following:</b><br /> <div class="row"><div class="large-2 columns">HO 1.&nbsp;</div><div class="large-10 columns">Manufacturing and storing of explosives.<br /></div></div><div class="row"><div class="large-2 columns">HO 2.&nbsp;</div><div class="large-10 columns">Driving a motor vehicle and being an outside helper on a motor vehicle.<br /></div></div><div class="row"><div class="large-2 columns">HO 3.&nbsp;</div><div class="large-10 columns">Coal mining.<br /></div></div><div class="row"><div class="large-2 columns">HO 4.&nbsp;</div><div class="large-10 columns">Forest fire fighting and fire prevention, timber tract management, forestry services, logging, and saw mill occupations.<br /></div></div><div class="row"><div class="large-2 columns">HO 5.*</div><div class="large-10 columns">Power-driven woodworking machines.<br /></div></div><div class="row"><div class="large-2 columns">HO 6.&nbsp;</div><div class="large-10 columns">Exposure to radioactive substances.<br /></div></div><div class="row"><div class="large-2 columns">HO 7.&nbsp;</div><div class="large-10 columns">Power-driven hoisting apparatus.<br /></div></div><div class="row"><div class="large-2 columns">HO 8.*</div><div class="large-10 columns">Power-driven metal-forming, punching, and shearing machines.<br /></div></div><div class="row"><div class="large-2 columns">HO 9.&nbsp;</div><div class="large-10 columns">Mining, other than coal mining.<br /></div></div><div class="row"><div class="large-2 columns">HO 10.&nbsp;</div><div class="large-10 columns">Meat and poultry packing or processing (including the use of power-driven meat slicing machines).<br /></div></div><div class="row"><div class="large-2 columns">HO 11.&nbsp;</div><div class="large-10 columns">Power-driven bakery machines.<br /></div></div><div class="row"><div class="large-2 columns">HO 12.*</div><div class="large-10 columns">Balers, compactors, and paper-products machines.<br /></div></div><div class="row"><div class="large-2 columns">HO 13.&nbsp;</div><div class="large-10 columns">Manufacturing brick, tile, and related products.<br /></div></div><div class="row"><div class="large-2 columns">HO 14.*</div><div class="large-10 columns">Power-driven circular saws, band saws, guillotine shears, chain saws, reciprocating saws, wood chippers, and abrasive cutting discs.<br /></div></div><div class="row"><div class="large-2 columns">HO 15.&nbsp;</div><div class="large-10 columns">Wrecking, demolition, and shipbreaking operations.<br /></div></div><div class="row"><div class="large-2 columns">HO 16.*</div><div class="large-10 columns">Roofing operations and all work on or about a roof.<br /></div></div><div class="row"><div class="large-2 columns">HO 17.*</div><div class="large-10 columns">Excavation operations.<br /></div></div>You can obtain more detail about any, or all of the above listings, by reviewing the <a href="http://www.dol.gov/cgi-bin/leave-dol.asp?exiturl=http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retrieveECFR%5EQ%5En=pt29.3.570%7Cr=PART%7Cty=HTML&amp;exitTitle=Child%20Labor%20Regulations&amp;fedpage=yes">child labor regulations</a>. </div></div>NSCsafetyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11136034280029093845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915533525872693042.post-88834733679991844552015-10-05T15:47:00.001-05:002015-10-05T15:47:12.330-05:00Safe Work for Young Workers: Hazards<h3>Hazards</h3><b>Young workers get injured or sick on the job </b>for many reasons, including: <br /><ul><li>Unsafe equipment</li><li>Inadequate <a href="http://www.osha-safety-training.net/" target="_blank">safety training</a></li><li>Inadequate supervision</li><li>Dangerous work that is illegal or inappropriate for youth under 18</li><li>Pressure to work faster</li><li>Stressful conditions</li></ul><b>Workplace hazards </b>associated with specific jobs are another major cause of injuries and illnesses. Employers must work to reduce or minimize hazards in the workplace and train employees how to work safely on the job.<br /><br />Workplace hazards include:<br /><ul><li>Retail/Grocery Stores/Convenience Stores</li><ul><li>Equipment and machinery</li><li>Heavy lifting</li><li>Violent crime</li><li>Repetitive hand motion</li><li>Slippery floors<br /></li></ul><li>Food Service/Fast Food&nbsp;</li><ul><li>Sharp objects</li><li>Hot cooking equipment</li><li>Slippery floors</li><li>Electricity</li><li>Heavy lifting</li><li>Violent crime</li></ul></ul><ul><li>Janitorial/Cleanup/Maintenance</li><ul><li>Hazardous chemicals</li><li>Slippery floors</li><li>Heavy lifting</li><li>Blood on discarded needles</li><li>Electricity</li><li>Vehicles</li></ul><li>Office/Clerical</li><ul><li>Repetitive hand motion (computer work)</li><li>Back and neck strain</li><li>Stress </li></ul><li>Outdoor Work</li><ul><li>Exposure to the sun</li><li>Heat</li><li>Landscaping</li><li>Pesticides and chemicals</li><li>Machinery and vehicles</li><li>Electricity</li><li>Heavy lifting</li><li>Noise</li></ul></ul><ul><li>Construction</li><ul><li>Falls</li><li>Machines and tools</li><li>Hazardous materials</li><li>Confined space</li><li>Electricity</li><li>Struck-by</li><li>Vehicle back-over</li><li>Noise</li></ul><li>Industry</li><ul><li>Moving equipment</li><li>Hot equipment</li><li>Hazardous chemicals</li><li>Electricity</li><li>Heat</li><li>Noise</li></ul><li>Agriculture</li><ul><li>Machinery</li><li>Struck-by</li><li>Falls</li><li>Electricity</li><li>Confined space</li><li>Hazardous chemicals</li><li>Organic dust (e.g., <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" id="anch_77" title="grain">grain</a>)</li><li>Heat</li></ul></ul><ul></ul>NSCsafetyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11136034280029093845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915533525872693042.post-35164487733629293812015-09-29T09:44:00.000-05:002015-09-29T09:44:28.860-05:00Safe Work for Young Workers<h3>You Have Rights at Work</h3>You have the right to:<br /> <ul><li>Work in a safe place.</li><li>Receive safety and health training in a language that you understand.</li><li>Ask questions if you don’t understand instructions or if something seems unsafe.</li><li>Use and be trained on required safety gear, such as hard hats, goggles and ear plugs.</li><li>Exercise your workplace safety rights without retaliation or discrimination.</li><li><a href="https://www.osha.gov/as/opa/worker/complain.html" id="anch_40" title="File a confidential complaint">File a confidential complaint</a> with OSHA if you believe there is a serious hazard or that your employer is not following OSHA standards.</li></ul><h3>Your Employer Has Responsibilities</h3>Your employer must:<br /> <ul><li>Provide a workplace free from serious recognized hazards and follow all OSHA safety and health standards.</li><li>Provide training about workplace hazards and required safety gear.*</li><li>Tell you where to get answers to your safety or health questions.</li><li>Tell you what to do if you get hurt on the job.</li></ul><ul><em>*Employers must pay for most types of safety gear.</em></ul><ul><em></em></ul><h3>Ways to Stay Safe on the Job</h3>To help protect yourself, you can:<br /> <ul><li>Report unsafe conditions to a shift/team leader or supervisor.</li><li>Wear any safety gear required to do your job.</li><li>Follow the safety rules.</li><li>Ask questions.</li><li>Ask for help if needed.</li></ul>NSCsafetyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11136034280029093845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915533525872693042.post-18682264710118313302015-08-11T17:17:00.002-05:002015-08-11T17:18:24.712-05:00Online and Computer-Based Safety Training<div class="kmsgbody"><div class="kmsgtext">For many years now the trend in workplace training has slowly been moving away from traditional classroom training. The trend has consistently been moving toward Online or other Computer-Based Training.<br /><br />According to a 2012 research report by Training Magazine, "The research also notes that slightly more than 45% of training hours are performed in the classroom, 27% is delivered with blended learning techniques, 24.7% is delivered via online or computer-based technologies, and 1.1% is delivered via mobile devices." These numbers show a decisive trend toward computer-based training.<br /><br />The shift away from classroom training and towards computer-based training has recently lead OSHA to again emphasize that the "use of computer-based training by itself would not be sufficient to meet the intent of the standard's various training requirements." This statement comes from an internal OSHA directive to it's compliance officers (inspectors) (CPL 02-02-079 - July 9, 2015). This very direct statement is found in the instructions to CSHOs (inspectors) and clearly indicates that computer-based training by itself is NOT SUFFICIENT and would result in a Serious Violation of the OSHA regulations.<br /><br />Why is OSHA taking such a firm stance against online and computer-based training? Well, the answer is simple. OSHA believes that the ability to ask questions and get an immediate response is vitally important and while workplace training in other subjects (not safety related) may be acceptable via computer-based technologies, it is not sufficient when employee safety is at risk.<br /><br />So what method does OSHA recommend? OSHA says this, "This can be accomplished in many ways (audiovisuals, classroom instruction, interactive video), and should include an opportunity for employees to ask questions to ensure that they understand the information presented to them."<br /><br />OSHA also adds this comment regarding language: "Furthermore, the training must be comprehensible. If the employees receive job instructions in a language other than English, then the training and information... will also need to be conducted in a foreign language."<br /><br />What does this mean for most employers? For many years employers have turned to their workplace supervisors to conduct the needed training. Most of the time, supervisors or safety directors can simply use a topic specific training program like those available from National Safety Compliance (<a class="bbcode_url" href="http://www.nationalsafetycompliance.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.nationalsafetycompliance.com</a>). These DVD training programs are specifically designed to meet the OSHA requirements for training and always include the needed printable handouts, certificates and training documents. All programs are even available in Spanish.<br /><br />The trainer simply needs to:<br />1. Show the DVD<br />2. Provide workplace specific information (i.e. where is the First Aid Kit?)<br />3. Answer any questions (i.e. where is the SDS binder?)<br />4. Give the included quiz (and grade it)<br />5. Document the training (using the forms &amp; certificate)<br /><br />Following these steps will help your company avoid a fine from OSHA regarding inadequate computer-based training. </div></div><div></div><div><div class="kmsgsignature"><br /></div></div>NSCsafetyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11136034280029093845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915533525872693042.post-86578347806394380372015-05-07T17:27:00.000-05:002015-05-07T17:27:30.822-05:00Confined Space Entry Regulation for Construction Industry FAQsOn May 4, 2015, OSHA issued a new standard for construction work in confined spaces, which will be effective starting August 3, 2015. Confined spaces can present physical and atmospheric hazards that can be avoided if they are recognized and addressed prior to entering these spaces to perform work. The new standard, Subpart AA of 29 CFR 1926 will help prevent construction workers from being hurt or killed by eliminating and isolating hazards in confined spaces at construction sites similar to the way workers in other industries are already protected. The questions and answers below are provided to assist employers in protecting their workers while working in and around confined spaces in construction.<br /> <div class="accordion-heading"><h4> What is a confined space?&nbsp;</h4></div><div class="accordion-inner"> A confined space has;<br /> <ul><li>Limited means of entry and/or exit,</li><li>Is large enough for a worker to enter it, and</li><li>Is not intended for regular/continuous occupancy.</li></ul>Examples include sewers, pits, crawl spaces, attics, boilers, and many more.<br /><div class="accordion-heading"><h4>What is a permit required confined space (permit space)? </h4></div><div class="accordion-inner">A permit space is a confined space that may have a hazardous atmosphere, engulfment hazard, or other serious hazard, such as exposed wiring, that can interfere with a worker’s ability to leave the space without assistance<br /> </div><div class="accordion-heading"><h4>Can anyone work in a permit space? </h4></div><div class="accordion-inner">Only workers who have been assigned and trained to work in a permit space may do so. Additionally, before workers can enter a permit space, the employer has to write a permit that specifies what safety measures must to be taken and who is allowed to go in.<br /><div class="accordion-heading"><h4>How do I know whether to follow the general industry or construction confined space rule? </h4></div><div class="accordion-inner">If you are doing construction work - such as building a new structure or upgrading an old one - then you must follow the construction confined space rule.<br /> </div><br /> </div></div>NSCsafetyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11136034280029093845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915533525872693042.post-81875678905041264862015-04-30T15:51:00.000-05:002015-04-30T15:51:29.126-05:00Alliance renewed to protect airline ground personnel<img alt="Trade News Release Banner Image" border="0" height="58" hspace="0" src="https://www.osha.gov/images/trade-pub-banner.jpg" vspace="0" width="400" /><br /><br /> <br /><strong>April 8, 2015<br />Contact: Office of Communications<br />Phone: 202-693-1999</strong><br /><br /> <div class="text-center" style="text-align: center;"><strong>OSHA and Airline Ground Safety Panel renew alliance to protect<br />airline ground personnel</strong></div><div class="text-center"><br /></div><strong>WASHINGTON</strong> – The Occupational Safety and Health Administration today renewed its alliance with the <a href="https://www.osha.gov/dcsp/alliances/airline_group/airline_group.html" title="Airline Ground Safety Panel">Airline Ground Safety Panel</a> to continue providing information and training resources to members, ground crew unions and contract firms, and workers.<br /><br /> The alliance will address worker injuries that occur during operation of ground support equipment; use of seat belts; new and emerging hazards; slips, trips and falls; ergonomic hazards; extreme temperatures; and understanding the rights and responsibilities of workers and employers under the OSH Act.<br /><br /> "OSHA and members of the airline industry have worked together in recent years to address safety issues among ground personnel," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels. "The efforts of our continued alliance with AGSP will go a long way toward keeping workers across the country safe and healthy at the end of every workday."<br /><br /> The alliance will develop toolbox talks on extreme temperatures and a case study on emerging workplace hazards, review existing Best Practice Facts Sheets with a focus on the use of seat belts in all ground support equipment, and incorporate ergonomic guidance in existing toolbox talks, case studies and other guidance resources.<br /><br /> "Our member airlines are very pleased with the progress that the OSHA Alliance with the Airline Ground Safety Panel has produced over the past seven years," said Airlines for America Vice President and Assistant General Counsel Rob DeLucia. "We look forward to continuing our voluntary, cooperative program with OSHA to further enhance employee safety with our labor union partners and the companies that service our aircraft."<br /><br /> "The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers is committed to the mission of the Airline Ground Safety Alliance and appreciative to OSHA for bringing both labor and management together to address mutual safety concerns," said Mike Flynn, director, Occupational Safety and Health Department, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.<br /><br /> AGSP comprises most major airlines, several regional airlines, representatives of trade unions and contractors for ground crew employees. The alliance agreement has been renewed for five years.<br /> Through its Alliance Program, OSHA works with unions, consulates, trade and professional organizations, faith- and community-based organizations, businesses and educational institutions to prevent workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses. The purpose of each alliance is to develop compliance assistance tools and resources, and to educate workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities. Alliance Program participants do not receive exemptions from OSHA inspections or any other enforcement benefits.<br /><br /> Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit <a href="https://www.osha.gov/index.html" title="OSHA.gov">www.osha.gov</a>.NSCsafetyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11136034280029093845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915533525872693042.post-60296614190248154412015-04-23T16:25:00.000-05:002015-04-23T16:25:27.360-05:00OSHA requests information on protecting workers performing communication tower construction, maintenance work<div style="font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is requesting information from the public about worker safety hazards in communication tower construction and maintenance activities. The information will assist the agency in determining what measures to take to prevent worker injuries and fatalities.</span></div><div style="font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;"><img alt="Communication Tower infographic" height="310" src="https://www.osha.gov/as/opa/quicktakes/images/qt_cell_tower_grey.jpg" title="Communication Tower infographic" width="350" /> </span></div><div style="font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Over the past 30 years, the growing demand for wireless and broadcast communications has spurred a dramatic increase in communication tower construction and maintenance. In order to erect or maintain communication towers, employee regularly climb anywhere from 100 to 2,000 feet. Communication tower workers face the risk of falls from great heights, structural collapses, electrical hazards, and hazards associated with inclement weather.</span></div><div style="font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">OSHA is requesting information from wireless carriers, tower workers, engineering and construction management firms, tower owners, and tower construction and maintenance companies about the causes of employee injuries and fatalities and for information about the best practices used by employers in the industry to address these hazards.</span></div><div style="font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">The deadline for submitting comments is June 15, 2015. Interested parties may submit comments and additional materials electronically at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov/" title="www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a>, the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Comments may also be mailed or faxed. See the <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2015/04/15/2015-08633/communication-tower-safety" title="Federal Register notice">Federal Register notice</a>&nbsp;for details.</span></div>NSCsafetyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11136034280029093845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915533525872693042.post-7364608055508903222015-04-14T15:47:00.000-05:002015-04-14T15:47:43.199-05:00Federal OSHA rejects inadequate fall prevention measures in Arizona's state-run occupational safety and health program<div style="font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">OSHA published a notice in the Feb. 6 Federal Register rejecting Arizona's residential construction <a href="http://www.nationalsafetycompliance.com/videos-dvd/fall-protection/fall-protection-training-kit-w-video-detail.html" target="_blank">fall protection standard</a>. Arizona is one of 27 states and territories that operate their own occupational safety and health programs. State-run programs are required to be at least as effective as federal OSHA standards. The Arizona state legislature recently passed a statute that requires fall protection – specifically a guardrail, safety net or personal fall arrest system – for fall hazards at a height of 15 feet or greater. Federal OSHA requires employers to provide fall protection whenever workers are exposed to a fall hazard at a height of six feet or more.</span></div><div style="font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Because Arizona's fall protection statute is not as effective as federal OSHA's, the agency has the authority to assume control of the enforcement standards in the state's construction sector. The Federal Register notice stated that OSHA was deferring this action to allow time for the Arizona legislature to repeal its inadequate fall protection provision.</span></div><div style="font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">As a result of OSHA's Federal Register notice, Arizona's Department of Occupational Safety and Health took immediate action and deemed the state's inadequate standards automatically repealed. Arizona is now enforcing OSHA's residential construction fall protection requirements and is offering free training classes for affected employers. OSHA will continue to work with the state and monitor its enforcement of the fall protection standard.</span></div>NSCsafetyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11136034280029093845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915533525872693042.post-22920982991573807332015-04-06T16:10:00.001-05:002015-04-06T16:10:54.454-05:00Preventing Green Tobacco Sickness<img alt="Trade News Release Banner Image" border="0" height="87" hspace="0" src="https://www.osha.gov/images/national-news-banner.jpg" vspace="0" width="600" /><br /><br /> <br />March 26, 2015<br /><br /> <div class="text-center"><strong>Labor Secretary announces bulletin on preventing green tobacco sickness</strong></div><div class="text-center"><br /></div><strong>WASHINGTON</strong> — Dehydration, dizziness, headaches and vomiting are just a few of the symptoms of nicotine poisoning, also known as "green tobacco sickness." Workers who plant, cultivate and harvest tobacco are particularly at risk. U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez today announced the release of a <a href="https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3765.pdf" title="recommended practices bulletin">recommended practices bulletin</a>* with guidance on reducing the hazards for tobacco workers. <br /> In recent years, the tobacco industry has undertaken voluntary efforts to curtail child labor in tobacco farming and increase protections for young workers. The department has collaborated also with state agencies, growers, farmers, manufacturers and others to increase education, training and protections for tobacco workers.<br /><br /> "The best way to protect people from on-the-job hazards is to prevent those hazards in the first place, and this bulletin outlines commonsense steps to reduce nicotine exposure and prevent heat illness," said Secretary Perez. "It's important that we continue to work with a wide array of stakeholders in order to find solutions that protect all workers."<br /><br /> Issued jointly by the <a href="https://www.osha.gov/index.html" title="Occupational Safety and Health Administration">Occupational Safety and Health Administration</a> and the <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/" title="National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health">National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health</a>, the bulletin identifies serious health hazards related to work in tobacco fields, and steps employers can take to protect the health of farm workers. It also identifies vulnerable workers, including children and adolescents, who may be more sensitive to chemical exposure and more likely to suffer from green tobacco sickness, and who may suffer more serious health consequences than adults. The bulletin is available in <a href="https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3765.pdf" title="English">English</a>* and <a href="https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3776.pdf" title="Spanish">Spanish</a>.*<br /><br /> Approximately 90 percent of domestic tobacco production occurs in Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee and North Carolina, the latter of which accounts for nearly half of all production. The department is committed to working with these states to protect the health and safety of young agricultural workers generally, including on tobacco farms.<br /><br /> Both OSHA and the <a href="http://www.dol.gov/whd" title="Wage and Hour Division">Wage and Hour Division</a> have conducted outreach and education in tobacco-producing states to highlight agricultural health and safety risks. These efforts include training sessions, grants, online and print publications, and an extensive outreach and compliance assistance program. In February, WHD Administrator Dr. David Weil and OSHA Assistant Secretary Dr. David Michaels met with tobacco manufacturers and buyers in North Carolina to discuss labor law compliance throughout the tobacco supply chain. They also met with worker advocates and representatives to discuss recommendations for improving working conditions in the industry.NSCsafetyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11136034280029093845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915533525872693042.post-73403319028206820912015-03-27T16:18:00.000-05:002015-03-27T16:18:27.594-05:00OSHA News Release: Safety Stand-Down in Georgia<img alt="Trade News Release Banner Image" border="0" height="58" hspace="0" src="https://www.osha.gov/images/region4-news-banner.jpg" vspace="0" width="400" /><br /><br /> <br />March 18, 2015<br /><br /> <div class="text-center"><strong>Safety Stand-Down puts the brakes on injuries at Georgia road sites<br /><em>One-hour work stoppage helps laborers avoid being struck by <a href="http://www.osha-safety-training.net/component/content/article/11-osha-training-videos/60-driving-safety-training-video.html" target="_blank">distracted drivers</a> and debris</em></strong></div><div class="text-center"><br /></div><strong>ATLANTA</strong> – The Federal Highway Administration, the state of Georgia and local government organizations are partnering with the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration to sponsor a one-hour Safety Stand-Down at construction sites in Georgia in conjunction with National Highway Work Zone Awareness Week from March 23-27.<br /><br /> <div style="float: left; padding: 5px; width: 360px;"><img alt="Safety Stand-Down puts the brakes on injuries at Georgia road sites" src="https://www.osha.gov/images/newsreleases_struckby_stand_down.png" title="Safety Stand-Down puts the brakes on injuries at Georgia road sites" /></div>Employers will voluntarily stop work on one designated day at construction sites that week from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. EDT to provide work zone safety training to road workers so they can protect themselves from the dangers of distracted drivers and injuries caused by passing vehicles, flying debris and other objects. Objects and vehicles striking workers are a leading cause of road construction-related deaths.<br /><br /> "This alliance is about the mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers who died on-the-job because a driver was distracted by a text message, a phone call or other activity," said Kurt Petermeyer, OSHA's regional administrator for the Southeast. "This event will help employers identify hazards and how employees can avoid them and remind the industry of the importance of safety in these work zones."<br /><br /> The Stand-Down is being organized by the Georgia Struck-By Alliance<span class="icon-external"></span>, which includes OSHA; the Associated General Contractors of Georgia Inc.<span class="icon-external"></span>; 3M Visibility &amp; Insulation Solutions<span class="icon-external"></span>; <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="Georgia Department of Transportation">Georgia Department of Transportation</a>; the <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="Federal Highway Administration's Georgia Division">Federal Highway Administration's Georgia Division</a>; and the <a class="externalLink" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="Georgia Highway Contractors Association">Georgia Highway Contractors Association<span class="icon-external"></span></a>. It also includes the <a class="externalLink" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="Georgia Utility Contractors Association Inc.">Georgia Utility Contractors Association Inc.<span class="icon-external"></span></a>; the <a class="externalLink" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="Association County Commissioners of Georgia">Association County Commissioners of Georgia<span class="icon-external"></span></a>; <a class="externalLink" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="Georgia Tech Research Institute">Georgia Tech Research Institute<span class="icon-external"></span></a>; Lamar Advertising<span class="icon-external"></span>; <a class="externalLink" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="Georgia Power">Georgia Power<span class="icon-external"></span></a>; <a class="externalLink" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="Pike Corporation">Pike Corporation<span class="icon-external"></span></a>; <a class="externalLink" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="Ansco &amp; Associates LLC">Ansco &amp; Associates LLC<span class="icon-external"></span></a>; and the <a class="externalLink" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="National Safety Council, Georgia Chapter">National Safety Council, Georgia Chapter<span class="icon-external"></span></a>. <br /> An informational flier and toolbox in English and Spanish are available from the Associated General Contractors of Georgia. For more information, contact Christi Griffin in OSHA's Atlanta-West Area Office at 678-903-7301; Bill Fulcher in the Atlanta-East Area Office at 770-493-6644; or Robert Vazzi in the Savannah Area Office at 912-652-4393.<br /><br /> Through the agency's <a href="http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/compliance_assistance/index_programs.html" title="Alliance Program">Alliance Program</a>, OSHA works with groups committed to worker safety and health to prevent workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses.NSCsafetyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11136034280029093845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915533525872693042.post-66674299152349903262015-03-20T16:16:00.002-05:002015-03-20T16:16:37.783-05:00<img alt="Trade News Release Banner Image" border="0" height="58" hspace="0" src="https://www.osha.gov/images/trade-pub-banner.jpg" vspace="0" width="400" /><br /><br /> <br /><strong>March 17, 2015<br />Contact: Office of Communications<br />Phone: 202-693-1999</strong><br /><br /> <div class="text-center" style="text-align: center;"><strong>OSHA extends comment period for managing hazardous chemical<br />exposures in workplace</strong></div><div class="text-center"><br /></div><strong>WASHINGTON</strong> – The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is extending the comment period on a Request for Information on Chemical Management and Permissible Exposure Limits to Oct. 9, 2015. <br /> OSHA issued the RFI on Oct. 10, 2014, requesting stakeholder input about more effective and efficient approaches to address workplace conditions where workers are exposed to chemicals. The agency received multiple requests from stakeholders to extend the comment period to allow them more time to research and formulate responses to questions included in the RFI.<br /><br /> The official notice will be published in the Federal Register. Comments may be submitted electronically at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov/" title="regulations.gov">http://www.regulations.gov</a>, the Federal eRulemaking Portal, by mail or facsimile.<br /><br /> Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit <a href="https://www.osha.gov/index.html" title="OSHA.gov">www.osha.gov</a>.NSCsafetyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11136034280029093845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915533525872693042.post-20441222599946686492015-03-13T16:19:00.001-05:002015-03-13T16:19:32.766-05:00OSHA-NIOSH Guidance regarding fatigue among ebola healthcare workers<span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and OSHA have published a new guidance document, "<a href="http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/ebola/pdfs/preventingworkerfatigueamongebolahcw122914.pdf" title="http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/ebola/pdfs/preventingworkerfatigueamongebolahcw122914.pdf">Preventing Worker Fatigue Among Ebola Healthcare Workers and Responders</a>" (*PDF).&nbsp;Healthcare workers and emergency responders are often required to work extended, rotating, consecutive or otherwise unusual shifts. They also need enhanced personal protective equipment when working with Ebola patients or in Ebola-contaminated areas. These conditions increase the risk of injuries and can contribute to poor health and worker fatigue. The new guidance document provides information for protecting workers in these conditions.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">For more information about protecting workers from occupational exposure to Ebola virus and related hazards, also see OSHA's <a href="http://www.osha.gov/ebola" title="Ebola Web page">Ebola Web page</a>.</span>NSCsafetyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11136034280029093845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915533525872693042.post-83415917579855603592015-03-09T16:30:00.000-05:002015-03-09T16:30:10.313-05:00Kinesiology tape beyond first aid?December 12, 2014<br /><br /> Ms. B***<br />Holland, OH <br /><br /> Dear Ms. B****:<br /><br /> Thank you for your recent letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regarding the recordkeeping requirements contained in 29 CFR Part 1904 - Recording and Reporting Occupational Injuries and Illnesses. You ask if kinesiology tape is considered medical treatment for OSHA recordkeeping purposes.<br /><br /> We consulted with physicians in OSHA's Office of Occupational Medicine and they inform us that kinesiology taping is designed to relieve pain through physical and neurological mechanisms. The lifting action of the tape purportedly relieves pressure on pain receptors directly under the skin, allowing for relief from acute injuries. The use of kinesiology tape is akin to physical therapy and is considered medical treatment beyond first aid for OSHA recordkeeping purposes. (See section 1904.7(b)(5)(ii)(M)).NSCsafetyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11136034280029093845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915533525872693042.post-18195453535697362282015-02-19T16:04:00.000-06:002015-02-19T16:04:54.862-06:00Employers must post 300A<div style="font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">OSHA is reminding covered employers to post <a href="http://www.osha29cfr.com/" target="_blank">OSHA's Form 300A</a>, which summarizes the total number of job-related injuries and illnesses that occurred during 2014 and were logged on OSHA's Form 300, the log of work-related injuries and illnesses. The summary must be posted between Feb. 1 and April 30, 2015, and should be displayed in a common area where notices to employees are usually posted.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Employers with 10 or fewer employees and employers in specific low-hazard industries are normally exempt from federal OSHA injury and illness recordkeeping and posting requirements. Due to changes in OSHA’s recordkeeping requirements that went into effect Jan. 1, 2015, certain previously exempt industries are now covered. Lists of both exempt and newly covered industries are available on OSHA's website. Visit the Updates to OSHA's Recordkeeping Rule Web page for more information on recordkeeping requirements.</span></div>NSCsafetyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11136034280029093845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915533525872693042.post-60297197437350095552014-12-08T15:38:00.000-06:002014-12-08T15:38:46.128-06:00New reporting requirements effective January 1, 2015<div style="font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Beginning January 1, 2015, there will be a change to what covered employers are required to report to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. <strong>Employers will now be required to report all work-related fatalities within 8 hours and all in-patient hospitalizations, amputations, and losses of an eye within 24 hours of finding about the incident.</strong></span></div><div style="font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Previously, employers were required to report all workplace fatalities and when three or more workers were hospitalized in the same incident.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">The updated reporting requirements are not simply paperwork but have a life-saving purpose: they will enable employers and workers to prevent future injuries by identifying and eliminating the most serious workplace hazards.</span></div><div style="font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Employers have three options for reporting these severe incidents to OSHA. They can call their <a href="https://www.osha.gov/html/RAmap.html" title="area offices">nearest area office</a> during normal business hours, call the 24-hour OSHA hotline at 1-800-321-OSHA (1-800-321-6742), or they can report online at <a href="https://www.osha.gov/report_online" title="www.osha.gov/report_online">www.osha.gov/report_online</a>. For more information and resources visit OSHA's <a href="https://www.osha.gov/recordkeeping2014/index.html" title="Redcordkeeping Web page">Web page</a> on the updated reporting requirements.</span></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="4" style="width: 300px;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="background-color: #b8c8df; border: #294865 6px outset;"><div style="margin: 9pt 0in 6pt;"><strong><span style="font-size: 13pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Starting January 1, 2015: </span></span></strong></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>All employers* must report:</strong><strong><span style="font-size: 13pt; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp;</span></strong></span></span></div><ul><li><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">All work-related fatalities <br />within 8 hours</span></span></li></ul><div style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Within 24 hours, all work-related</strong>:<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><ul><li><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Inpatient hospitalizations</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Amputations</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Losses of an eye</span><strong><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span></strong><span style="font-size: 11pt;">&nbsp;</span></span></li></ul><div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 9pt;"><strong><span style="font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">How to Report Incident</span></span></strong></div><ul><li><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Call 1-800-321-OSHA (6742) </span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;"><span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Call your nearest OSHA area office, during normal business hours (<a href="https://www.osha.gov/html/RAmap.html"><span style="color: blue;">www.osha.gov/html/RAmap.html</span></a></span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';">)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;"><span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Visit </span><a href="https://www.osha.gov/report_online"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.osha.gov/report_online</span></a></span><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;"><span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">*Employers under Federal OSHA's jurisdiction must begin reporting by January 1. Establishments in a state with a State run OSHA program should contact their state plan for the implementation date.</span></div>NSCsafetyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11136034280029093845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915533525872693042.post-18733235109280176572014-11-14T16:32:00.001-06:002014-11-14T16:34:08.677-06:00<img alt="Trade News Release Banner Image" border="0" height="58" hspace="0" src="https://www.osha.gov/images/region7-news-banner.jpg" vspace="0" width="400" /><br /><br /><br />Oct. 23, 2014<br /><br /><div class="text-center" style="text-align: center;"><b>New OSHA program will focus on Nebraska companies</b><br /><b></b><b> using highly hazardous chemicals</b></div><div class="text-center"><br /></div><b>OMAHA, Neb.</b> – To educate employers and workers about highly hazardous chemicals, including <a href="https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/formaldehyde/index.html" title="formaldehyde">formaldehyde</a> and <a href="https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/methylenechloride/index.html" title="methylene chloride">methylene chloride</a>, the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration is launching a local emphasis program in Nebraska. The program will include programmed health inspections at funeral homes, chemical and product manufacturing plants, printing facilities and outpatient care centers.<br /><br />"This local emphasis program will allow OSHA to use its resources efficiently by focusing on industries that are known to use these types of highly hazardous chemicals," said Bonita Winingham, area director for OSHA in Omaha. "Through this program, OSHA will improve education for company management and strengthen worker protections."<br /><br />Due to the increased health risks related to some <a href="https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/hazardoustoxicsubstances/index.html" title="chemicals">chemicals</a>, OSHA has created chemical-specific regulations known as expanded health standards. These regulations include exposure limits and monitoring requirements.<br />Industry sectors were selected for inspection based on recorded violations of these expanded health standards and the frequency of inspection in 2013.<br /><br />Local emphasis programs are enforcement strategies designed and implemented at the regional and/or area office levels. These programs are intended to address hazards in industries that pose a particular risk to workers in the office's jurisdiction. Often, these local emphasis programs are accompanied by outreach intended to make area employers aware of the program and the hazards that the programs are designed to reduce or eliminate.<br /><br />In addition, OSHA has created a <a href="https://www.osha.gov/dsg/safer_chemicals/index.html" title="toolkit to identify safer chemicals">toolkit to identify safer chemicals</a> that can be used in place of hazardous ones.<br /><br />Under the <a href="https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=OSHACT&amp;p_id=2743" title="Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970">Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970</a>, employers are responsible for providing <a href="http://www.osha-safety-training.net/" target="_blank">safe and healthful workplaces for their employees</a>. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance.NSCsafetyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11136034280029093845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915533525872693042.post-80534552812883081862014-10-31T16:15:00.002-05:002014-10-31T16:15:48.947-05:00Is recordkeeping required for prescription medications?October 20, 2014<br /><br /> Darren J.H***<br /><br /> Dear Mr. H***:<br /><br /> Thank you for your letter dated July 1, 2014 to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regarding the recordkeeping regulation contained in 29 CFR 1904 - Recording and Reporting Occupational Injuries and Illnesses. Specifically, you ask if there is an exception to considering the issuance of a prescription medication as medical treatment beyond first aid in cases involving a deer tick bite where the employee shows no signs or symptoms of Lyme disease.<br /><br /> <strong>Scenario:</strong> In your letter, you state that an employee was bitten by a deer tick in the work environment. The employee does not contract Lyme disease or any other illness as a result of the bite, does not exhibit any signs of illness, and does not miss any time at work. In an abundance of caution, a physician prescribes antibiotics as a prophylactic measure. You also state that doctors in certain areas of the United States have a greater tendency to prescribe antibiotics to guard against Lyme disease associated with deer tick bites, whereas doctors in most areas of the country do not routinely prescribe antibiotics as a preventative measure.<br /><br /> <strong>OSHA Response:</strong> The issuance of prescription antibiotics is considered medical treatment beyond first aid for OSHA injury and illness recordkeeping purposes. The scenario described above is a work-related injury involving medical treatment and must be entered on the OSHA Form 300. The Agency believes that the use of prescription medications is not first aid because prescription medications are powerful substances that can only be prescribed by a licensed health care professional, and for the majority of medications in the majority of states, by a licensed physician. See, the preamble to the final rule revising OSHA’s recordkeeping regulation, 66 Fed. Reg. 5986 (January 19, 2001). The preventive, precautionary or prophylactic nature of a medication is not controlling for determining OSHA recordability. See OSHA’s March 10, 2005 letter of interpretation to Dave Boyer. Any use of Rx medicine in treating a work-related injury or illness is considered medical treatment regardless of purpose prescribed. There is no exception in OSHA’s recordkeeping regulation for cases involving deer tick bites.<br /><br /> We hope you find this information helpful. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards, and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA’s interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules.<br /><br />Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA’s website at <a href="https://www.osha.gov/index.html" title="OSHA.gov">http://www.osha.gov</a>.NSCsafetyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11136034280029093845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915533525872693042.post-20478289848866436462014-10-17T15:36:00.001-05:002014-10-17T15:36:52.141-05:00FCC & OSHA announce working group to prevent fatalities in telecommunications industry<h3 style="font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">F</span>CC and OSHA hold unprecedented event; announce working group to prevent fatalities in telecommunications industry</h3><div style="font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">In an unprecedented event Oct. 14, the Department of Labor and the Federal Communications Commission joined leaders in the telecommunications industry, including major carrier AT&amp;T, to discuss new and continuing efforts to prevent worker fatalities on cell towers.</span></div><div style="font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">"The fatality rate in this industry is extraordinarily high - tower workers are more than 10 times as likely to be killed on the job than construction workers," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels. "But these deaths are preventable."</span></div><div style="font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez and FCC Chairman Thomas E. Wheeler also announced a new working group that will collaborate in the development and implementation of recommended safety practices for the growing telecommunications industry.</span></div><div style="font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">"The cellphones in our pockets can't come at the cost of a worker's life," said Secretary Perez. "We know we can't solve this problem alone though, and that's why I am so glad to be joined in partnership on this issue with the FCC and major carriers like AT&amp;T. It's a perfect example of federal agencies and industry breaking down barriers and identifying common goals to save workers' lives."</span></div><div style="font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">For more information about the new working group, <a class="externalLink" href="http://www.fcc.gov/events/workshop-tower-climber-safety-and-injury-protection" title="video">view a recording of the event<span class="icon-external"></span></a> and read the <a href="https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=NEWS_RELEASES&amp;p_id=26853" title="news release">news release</a>. To learn more about worker safety in the telecommunications industry, visit OSHA's <a href="https://www.osha.gov/doc/topics/communicationtower/" title="Communication Towers Web page">Communication Towers Web page</a>.</span></div>NSCsafetyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11136034280029093845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915533525872693042.post-10059888153236834992014-10-07T15:26:00.002-05:002014-10-07T15:26:52.872-05:00OSHA's homepage changedOSHA's homepage gets a facelift<br /><br /><table align="right" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left: 10px; width: 194px;"><tbody><tr><td><div align="center"><a href="https://www.osha.gov/" title="OSHA homepage"><img alt="New OSHA homepage" height="250" src="https://www.osha.gov/as/opa/quicktakes/images/qthomepage.jpg" title="New OSHA homepage" width="194" /></a></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">This month OSHA launched a new version of its home page at <a href="https://www.osha.gov/" title="OSHA homepage">www.osha.gov</a>. The page features a balance of graphics and text, making it easier to navigate. Drop down menus allow visitors to find information with one click. There is a “How To” section where users can get easy access to information in high demand such as OSHA’s <a href="https://www.osha.gov/Publications/poster.html" title="workplace poster">FREE workplace poster</a> and <a href="https://www.osha.gov/recordkeeping2014" title="recordkeeping and reporting">recordkeeping and reporting</a> resources.</span></div><div style="font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Users can stay abreast of OSHA’s hot topics and latest information by visiting the new home page. The page highlights OSHA’s major initiatives such as <a href="https://www.osha.gov/temp_workers/index.html" title="protecting temporary workers">protecting temporary workers</a> and <a href="https://www.osha.gov/stopfalls/index.html" title="preventing falls in construction">preventing falls in construction</a>. Visitors can follow OSHA by a real-time <a class="externalLink" href="https://twitter.com/usdol" title="Twitter">Twitter feed<span class="icon-external"></span></a> and the <a href="http://social.dol.gov/blog/" title="OSHA blog">latest blogs</a> posted on the page.</span></div><div style="font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Visit OSHA’s new <a href="https://www.osha.gov/index.html" title="OSHA homepage">home page</a> today!</span></div>NSCsafetyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11136034280029093845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915533525872693042.post-25189906576319929342014-09-25T16:07:00.000-05:002014-09-25T16:07:54.667-05:00OSHA schedules meeting of the Federal Advisory Council<img alt="Trade News Release Banner Image" border="0" height="58" hspace="0" src="https://www.osha.gov/images/trade-pub-banner.jpg" vspace="0" width="400" /><br /><br /> <br /><strong>Sept. 25, 2014<br />Contact: Office of Communications<br />Phone: 202-693-1999</strong><br /><br /> <div class="text-center"><strong>OSHA schedules meeting of the Federal Advisory Council on<br />Occupational Safety and Health</strong></div><div class="text-center"><br /></div><strong>WASHINGTON</strong> – The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has scheduled a meeting of the Federal Advisory Council on Occupational Safety and Health Nov. 6, 2014, in Washington, D.C.<br /><br /> <a href="https://www.osha.gov/dep/facosh/index.html" title="FACOSH">FACOSH</a> advises the Secretary of Labor on all matters relating to the occupational safety and health of federal employees. This includes providing advice on how to reduce the number of injuries and illnesses in the federal workforce and how to encourage each federal executive branch department and agency to establish and maintain effective occupational safety and health programs.<br /><br /> The tentative agenda includes updates from FACOSH subcommittees and on recordkeeping rule changes affecting federal agencies, protecting workers from retaliation, and update and future metrics on the Presidential POWER Initiative.<br /><br /> The committee will meet from 1 - 4:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 6 in Rooms N-4437 A-D, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20210. The meeting is open to the public. Some committee members will participate by teleconference. Comments and requests to speak may be submitted electronically at <a class="externalLink" href="http://www.regulations.gov/" title="regulations.gov">http://www.regulations.gov<span class="icon-external"></span></a>, the federal e-rulemaking Portal, or by mail or facsimile. See the <a class="externalLink" href="http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2014-09-25/html/2014-22754.htm" title="Federal Register notice">Federal Register notice<span class="icon-external"></span></a> for details. The deadline for submissions is Oct. 31, 2014.<br /> Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit <a href="https://www.osha.gov/index.html" title="OSHA's homepage">www.osha.gov</a>.<br /> <div class="text-center">###</div>NSCsafetyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11136034280029093845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915533525872693042.post-45856489904094819722014-09-16T17:09:00.000-05:002014-09-16T17:09:45.783-05:00Comment period extended on proposed rule<div style="font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">OSHA has announced it will extend the comment period on the proposed rule to improve tracking of workplace injuries and illnesses to Oct. 14, 2014. The proposal<span class="icon-external"></span>, published on Nov. 8, 2013, would amend the agency's recordkeeping regulation to add requirements for the electronic submission of injury and illness information that employers are already required to keep.</span></div><div style="font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">OSHA is soliciting comments on whether to amend the proposed rule to: 1) require that employers inform their employees of their right to report injuries and illnesses; 2) more clearly communicate that any injury and illness reporting requirements established by the employer must be reasonable and not unduly burdensome; and 3) provide OSHA additional means to prohibit employers from retaliating against employees for reporting injuries and illnesses.</span></div><div style="font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Individuals interested in submitting comments may do so electronically at www.regulations.gov<span class="icon-external"></span>, the federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Comments may also be submitted via mail or facsimile. See the Federal Register notice<span class="icon-external"></span> and read the&nbsp;news release below for details.</span></div><div style="font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;"><img alt="Trade News Release Banner Image" border="0" height="58" hspace="0" src="https://www.osha.gov/images/trade-pub-banner.jpg" vspace="0" width="400" /><br /><br /> </span></div><div class="blackBoldTen">August 13, 2014<br />Contact: Office of Communications<br />Phone: 202-693-1999</div><div class="blackBoldTen"><br /></div><div class="text-center"><strong>OSHA extends comment period on proposed rule to improve<br /> tracking of workplace injury and illnesses</strong></div><div class="text-center"><br /></div><strong>WASHINGTON</strong> – The Occupational Safety and Health Administration today announced it will extend the comment period on the proposed rule to improve tracking of workplace injuries and illnesses to Oct. 14, 2014. The proposal<span class="icon-external"></span>, published on Nov. 8, 2013, would amend the agency's recordkeeping regulation to add requirements for the electronic submission of injury and illness information that employers are already required to keep.<br /><br /> During the public meeting held on the proposal, many participants expressed concern that the proposal may create motivation for employers to under-record injuries and illnesses, since each covered establishment's injury and illness data would become publicly available on OSHA's website. Participants also expressed concern that the proposal would lead to an increase in the number of employers who adopt practices that discourage employees from reporting recordable injuries and illnesses. OSHA is concerned that the accuracy of the data collected under the new proposal could be compromised if employers adopt these practices.<br /> "OSHA wants to make sure that employers, employees and the public have access to the most accurate data about injuries and illnesses in their workplaces so that they can take the most appropriate steps to protect worker safety and health," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels.<br /><br /> Therefore, OSHA is soliciting comments on whether to amend the proposed rule to: 1) require that employers inform their employees of their right to report injuries and illnesses; 2) more clearly communicate the requirement that any injury and illness reporting requirements established by the employer be reasonable and not unduly burdensome; and 3) provide OSHA an additional remedy to prohibit employers from taking adverse action against employees for reporting injuries and illnesses.<br /><div style="font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></div>NSCsafetyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11136034280029093845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915533525872693042.post-27099090455283183852014-08-13T16:32:00.000-05:002014-08-13T16:32:22.552-05:00Qualified rigger<div class="blackTen">March 18, 2014</div><div class="blackTen"><br /></div><div class="blackTen">Eric M. Dean</div><div class="blackTen"><br />General Secretary<br />International Association of <br />Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers<br />Suite 400<br />1750 New York Ave. NW<br />Washington, DC 20006</div><div class="blackTen"><br /></div><div class="blackTen">Dear Mr. Dean:</div><div class="blackTen"><br /></div><div class="blackTen">Thank you for your March 12, 2013, letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). You asked a question regarding the determination of whether an employee may be considered a "qualified rigger" under 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC (Cranes and Derricks in Construction).</div><div class="blackTen">We have paraphrased your question as follows:</div><div class="blackTen"><br /></div><div class="blackTen"><strong>Question:</strong> Can a labor-management joint apprenticeship training program that is a "qualified evaluator (third party)" for purposes of ensuring that signal persons meet qualification requirements also provide training regarding "qualified rigger" status?</div><div class="blackTen"><br /></div><div class="blackTen"><strong>Answer:</strong> Yes, but the employer is responsible for ensuring that any employee who rigs materials is a qualified rigger. The employer may consider determinations made by a third party, such as completion of a joint labor management apprenticeship training program, in assessing whether an employee is in fact a "qualified rigger." While such programs generally provide high-quality classroom and hands-on instruction, the employer must ensure that an employee assigned to rig a load is a qualified rigger with respect to that specific lift. </div><div class="blackTen">29 CFR 1926.1401 defines a "qualified rigger" as: </div><blockquote class="blackTen">[A] rigger who meets the criteria for a qualified person.</blockquote><div class="blackTen">29 CFR 1926.1401 defines a "qualified person" as:</div><blockquote class="blackTen">[A] person who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training, and experience, successfully demonstrated the ability to solve/resolve problems relating to the subject matter, the work, or the project.</blockquote><div class="blackTen">The level of experience, knowledge, and skill needed to perform a rigging job safely depends on the type of rigging and worksite conditions. The employer must ensure that the rigger has the ability to recognize and resolve any issues relating to the specific rigging work to be performed.</div><div class="blackTen"><br /></div><div class="blackTen">The cranes standard does not require or refer to third party evaluators with respect to qualified riggers. The standard's provisions regarding riggers differ in this respect from those regarding signal persons, to which your letter refers, under which documentation from a "qualified evaluator (third party)" is an alternative means of compliance. As noted, the employer may consider determinations made by a third party such as a joint apprenticeship program, but it retains responsibility for ensuring that any employee assigned to rig a load is qualified.&nbsp;</div><div class="blackTen"><br /></div><div class="blackTen">This interpretation is consistent with OSHA's discussion of qualified riggers in a letter to William K. Irwin, Jr., dated January 9, 2012, available here:<br /><a href="https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=INTERPRETATIONS&amp;p_id=28268" title="OSHA Standard Interpretations">https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=INTERPRETATIONS&amp;p_id=28268.&nbsp;</a></div><div class="blackTen"><br /></div><div class="blackTen">Thank you for your interest in occupational safety and health. We hope you find this information helpful. OSHA's requirements are set by statute, standards, and regulations. Our letters of interpretation do not create new or additional requirements but rather explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. From time to time, letters are affected when the Agency updates a standard, a legal decision impacts a standard, or changes in technology affect the interpretation. To assure that you are using the correct information and guidance, please consult OSHA's website at <a href="https://www.osha.gov/index.html" title="OSHA Homepage">http://www.osha.gov</a>. If you have further questions, please feel free to contact the Directorate of Construction at (202) 693-2020.</div><div class="blackTen"><br /></div><div class="blackTen">Sincerely,</div><div class="blackTen"><br /></div><div class="blackTen">James G. Maddux, Director<br />Directorate of Construction</div><hr />NSCsafetyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11136034280029093845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915533525872693042.post-62596804457809419762014-08-05T16:02:00.000-05:002014-08-05T16:02:31.744-05:00Protect workers from demolition hazard, new resources<h3>Recent fatalities serve as a reminder to protect workers from demolition hazards: New resources available.</h3><div style="font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">On June 20, a construction worker taking down a Blockbuster Video building in New Jersey was trapped and killed when the last standing wall collapsed on top of him. Six months earlier, a 25-year-old construction worker in Chicago was struck and killed by pieces of falling concrete while conducting renovations on a shopping mall. A year ago, six people were killed and 14 injured in Philadelphia when a four-story building undergoing demolition collapsed. All these deaths could have been prevented.</span></div><div style="font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">OSHA recently launched updates to its <a href="https://www.osha.gov/doc/topics/demolition/index.html" title="Demolition Web page">Demolition Web page</a> that focuses on the serious hazards common in demolition operations. The page includes information safe practices that must be followed to to prevent injuries and fatalities, and a link for stakeholders to share stories about demolition safety. Read the news release below for more information.</span></div><br /><br /><img alt="Trade News Release Banner Image" border="0" height="58" hspace="0" src="https://www.osha.gov/images/trade-pub-banner.jpg" vspace="0" width="400" /><br /><br /> <br /><div class="blackBoldTen">July 10, 2014<br />Contact: Office of Communications<br />Phone: 202-693-1999</div><div class="blackBoldTen"><br /></div><div align="center" class="blackTen"><strong>Recent fatalities serve as a reminder to protect workers from demolition hazards</strong><br /><em>OSHA launches updated website, training resources for construction demolition industry</em></div><div align="center" class="blackTen"><br /></div><div class="blackTen"><strong>WASHINGTON</strong> – On June 20, a construction worker taking down an old Blockbuster Video building in New Jersey was trapped and killed when the last standing wall of a building under demolition collapsed on top of him. Six months earlier, a 25-year-old construction worker in Chicago was struck and killed by pieces of falling concrete while conducting renovations on a shopping mall. These tragedies follow the June 5, 2013, collapse of a four-story building undergoing demolition in Philadelphia that killed six people and injured 14. These deaths could have been prevented. To help prevent these tragedies and save lives, OSHA has developed new educational resources and training for the construction demolition industry.&nbsp;</div><div class="blackTen"><br /></div><div class="blackTen">"Demolition workers face many hazards and their lives should not be sacrificed because of deliberate neglect of demolition fundamentals," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels. "Employers must ensure that all workers involved in a demolition project are fully aware of hazards and safety precautions before work begins and as it progresses."&nbsp;</div><div class="blackTen"><br /></div><div class="blackTen">OSHA recently launched an updated demolition website to address the hazards common in demolition operations and the safety measures that can be taken to prevent them. The updated <a href="https://www.osha.gov/doc/topics/demolition/index.html" title="Demolition page">Demolition page</a> provides information on applicable OSHA standards, hazard assessments, measures that can be taken to prevent injuries and illnesses before site work begins, and a link for stakeholders to share stories about demolition safety.&nbsp;</div><div class="blackTen"><br /></div><div class="blackTen">From 2009 to 2013, OSHA issued nearly 1,000 citations for violations of OSHA's construction demolition standards. The <a href="https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&amp;p_id=10795" title="most common citation">most common citation</a> issued was for failure to conduct an engineering survey to determine the condition of the structure prior to demolition. This includes determining whether an unplanned collapse of the building or any adjacent structure would injure those working in the vicinity.</div><div class="blackTen"><br /></div><div class="blackTen">To ramp up efforts to protect demolition workers, OSHA recently provided demolition training courses on construction safety to federal, state and local government personnel with construction safety responsibilities in the Philadelphia area. </div>NSCsafetyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11136034280029093845noreply@blogger.com0